Dick Wanderscheid, Director of Electric Utilities Accepts New Position

City of Ashland Director of Electric Utilities Dick Wanderscheid has accepted a position with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation effective December 31, 2009.

Wanderscheid began his service to the City of Ashland in 1979. During that time, Wanderscheid held several positions at the City including Associate Planner, Conservation Manager, Director of Administrative Services and most recently as the Director of Electric Utilities.Wanderscheid started the City’s resource conservation and renewable resources programs in 1980 and has managed and developed those programs since that time.He was instrumental in the development and use of solar energy opportunities for citizens and for the City of Ashland.He has been active in many regional and State utility organizations including the Governor’s Renewable Energy Work Group and currently serves a Secretary/Treasure of Northwest Requirements Utilities.

“Ashland has been fortunate to have Dick Wanderscheid for so many years.Under his leadership the City of Ashland emerged as a role model for other communities seeking to implement aggressive conservation programs and the use of solar energy,” said Mayor John Stromberg.“Dick is passionate about renewable energy and I know the Bonneville Environmental Foundation will benefit from his leadership and expertise. On behalf of our community I thank Dick for his work for our community and wish him great success in this next chapter of his life. He will be sorely missed.”

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of renewable energy and watershed restoration and empowering people to shrink their carbon footprint.Wanderscheid has accepted a newly created position, Vice President of Project Management.He will manage a group of people who focus solely on building renewable energy systems and use the construction projects as an educational opportunity under the award winning program called Solar4Schools.Last year over 70 projects were completed around the United States by this group.

“The last 30 years has brought me great personal and professional satisfaction and appreciation for what can be accomplished when people work together.I will miss my friends and co-workers here at the City, but I am eager to pursue my interests in renewable energy and education,” said Wanderscheid.Working with the City has been a wonderful experience and I want to thank all the elected officials, management and staff I have been fortunate work with.I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish here in Ashland.”